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***MISSION REACH TRAIL NOTICE*** The west bank trail from the access point on Mission Parkway by Espada Park south to Mission Road will be closed beginning Tuesday, September 8 until further notice as work begins on the installation of the San Juan portal by the San Antonio River Foundation. The public can use the San Juan Acequia trail or Mission Parkway during this closure.

Increasing Recreation Opportunities

A major component of the Mission Reach project has increased recreation opportunities on the river. Over 15 miles of trails stretch along the river for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy. Paddle recreation is encouraged in designated areas of the Mission Reach. Barge traffic will not be present on this stretch of river, so paddlers can safely navigate the river without interference of motorized boats. This project also makes the river more accessible to area neighborhoods with eight street connections.

Additionally, improvements to aquatic and riparian habitat bring an increase in the numbers of native wildlife species. That means fisherman, birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts have increased opportunity to enjoy wildlife in the area.

Recreational amenities also include river overlooks, pavilions and picnic areas placed appropriately for interesting views and connections to the environment.

Recreational amenities include:

Over 15 miles of hike/bike trails

8 street connections to make neighborhood access easier

89 benches

137 picnic tables

5 overlooks with shade structures

9 water edge landings

6 foot bridges

4 pavilions

Please contact Angela Camarillo at (210) 227-1373 or click here if you are interested in learning how to hold an event along the Museum Reach or Mission Reach.

Paddling Safety

***RULES TO PREVENT SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS*** PERSONS LEAVING OR APPROACHING PUBLIC FRESH WATER ARE REQUIRED TO DRAIN ALL WATER FROM THEIR VESSELS AND ON-BOARD RECEPTACLES. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Have fun and be prepared. Presently, there are a number of approved paddling vendors are available directly along the river, but you can also bring your own equipment . If paddling within the San Antonio City Limits, prepare for a river in a natural condition, and along the Mission Reach, there will be occasional paddling chutes through restored riffles. If paddling outside the San Antonio City Limits, prepare for a river in a natural, rural condition with limited access points. At all times, please use the designated access points and respect private property. Rivers are ever-changing dynamic systems with inherent dangers, so please remember the following safety tips.

Plan your trip so that your paddling skills are equal to the water conditions and proceed at your own risk.

Never paddle alone and tell someone not paddling with you of your paddling plan.

Make sure your equipment (canoe or kayak) is in proper working order; no inflatable boats or water craft.

Check weather and river conditions prior to paddling to ensure that paddling trails are safe to use.

Always use personal flotation devices and bring a whistle or other sound producing device for use in emergency situations.

The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department has a policy allowing citizens to engage in non-motorized water recreation activities in specified bodies of water within the city limits. As of August 1, 2011, no permit is required for this activity. Please note that boundaries for non-motorized water recreation activity within the city limits are subject to change by the City of San Antonio in consultation with SARA.

Mission Reach Paddling Trail, San Antonio River

Click here to view map with access points. Northern Boundary: Lone Star Blvd. by Roosevelt Park
Portage Point: Espada Dam 1200 feet South of SE Military Drive users will have to portage their watercraft around the dam and re-enter the river below Mission Parkway
Southern Boundary: Camino Couhuilteca by Mission Espada

It is important to note, paddlers will need to portage around the Espada Dam downstream of SE Military. There are access points on both the east and west banks of the river, as well as, an entry location on the downstream side of Mission Parkway below the dam.